Serena Williams Withdraws From Madrid Open

World number 449, Serena Williams has pulled out of the Madrid Open holding next week. The former World number one's return to the WTA tour did not go as planned as she lost to Naomi Osaka in the first round in Miami.

The 23-time grand slam champion suffered early exits at Indian Wells and Miami in her only two competitive outings this year, following a 14-month lay-off to give birth to daughter Alexis Olympia.

Organiser, Manolo Santana, said on the tournament’s official website: “We regret the absence of Serena.

“She is one of the great champions of our sport, she has always offered a show to the tournament and we hope to see her again at the Caja Magica in the future.”

Serena won in Madrid in 2012 and 2013. Her replacement will be Coco Vandeweghe.